Some Terminology

Human-Animal Bond:
The mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between humans and animals, characterized by emotional connection, trust, and support. The human-animal bond is a central concept in animal-assisted interventions.

Therapy Animal:
An animal, usually a dog, cat, or horse, that has been trained and certified to work in therapeutic settings. Therapy animals undergo specific training to provide comfort, support, and assistance to individuals in need.

Handler:
The person responsible for the training, care, and supervision of a therapy animal during animal-assisted interventions. Handlers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both the animal and the individuals they interact with.

Facility Dog:
A specially trained dog that works in specific settings such as hospitals, schools, or counseling centers to provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to individuals. Facility dogs often have a permanent placement in a particular facility.

Animal Welfare:
The well-being and ethical treatment of animals, encompassing their physical, mental, and emotional health. Animal welfare considerations are important in animal-assisted interventions to ensure the animals involved are well-cared for and protected from harm.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act):
A U.S. law that sets standards for the protection of individuals' health information and privacy. Professionals working in animal-assisted interventions must adhere to HIPAA regulations when handling confidential client information.

Code of Ethics:
A set of guidelines and principles that professionals in animal-assisted interventions adhere to, outlining their responsibilities, ethical standards, and professional conduct. Various organizations and associations have established codes of ethics specific to the field.

Animal-Assisted Intervention Team:
A team composed of a trained therapy animal, a handler, and a professional (such as a therapist or educator) who work together to provide animal-assisted interventions. The team collaborates to ensure the effective and safe delivery of interventions.

Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR):
The use of specially trained therapy animals and their handlers to provide comfort, support, and emotional assistance to individuals affected by traumatic events or crises.

Animal-Assisted Play Therapy:
A therapeutic approach that combines play therapy techniques with the presence of animals. It uses the natural affinity between children and animals to facilitate emotional expression, social skills development, and emotional healing.

Animal-Assisted Reading (AAR):
A program that involves trained therapy animals listening attentively as children read aloud to them. AAR aims to improve reading skills, build confidence, and create a positive association with reading.

Animal-Assisted Interventions Research:
The scientific investigation of the effects, benefits, and outcomes of animal-assisted interventions. Research in this field examines the impact of animals on human well-being, mental health, physical health, and social functioning

Standards of Practice:
Guidelines and protocols that outline the recommended practices and procedures for professionals involved in animal-assisted interventions. These standards ensure the safety, welfare, and ethical treatment of both humans and animals.

Animal-Assisted Crisis Counseling:
A specialized form of counseling that incorporates the use of therapy animals to provide support and comfort to individuals experiencing acute emotional distress or trauma. It helps individuals cope with crisis situations and facilitates the healing process.

Animal-Assisted Rehabilitation:
The integration of animals into rehabilitation programs to enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional recovery. This can include activities such as animal-assisted physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy.

Animal-Assisted Resilience:
The capacity of animals to promote resilience in individuals by providing emotional support, companionship, and a sense of purpose. Animal-assisted interventions can help individuals develop coping skills, build resilience, and navigate challenging circumstances.

Animal-Assisted Crisis Management:
The use of therapy animals and trained handlers in crisis management situations, such as natural disasters, emergencies, or critical incidents. Animals can provide comfort and emotional support to individuals affected by crisis situations.

Animal-Assisted Social Skills Training:
Programs that utilize animals to facilitate the development of social skills, empathy, and communication in individuals, particularly children or individuals with social difficulties. Animals can serve as non-judgmental social partners and help individuals improve their social interactions.